After-effects of stress on crevicular interleukin-1β

Background: In a previous study, we found stress to increase crevicular interleukin-1 beta (I1-1 beta) secretion induced by supragingival plaque. While in that study, stress and plaque were presented concomitantly, we now wondered whether a consecutive presentation of these 2 factors would still exert stress effects. Method: 39 medical students participated in the study; 18 took part in a major exam while the remaining 21 served as controls. From the day after the last exam, students neglected oral hygiene in 2 antagonistic quadrants for 21 days (experimental gingivitis), while they maintained perfect hygiene at the remaining sites. Crevicular fluid samples were taken at days 0, 5, 8, 15, 18, and 21 of experimental gingivitis. Results: A significant effect of pre-exposure to academic stress on crevicular I1-1 beta concentration was found (area under the curve: p=0.042), the effect size, however, being smaller than in our previous study when stress and plaque were presented concomitantly. Conclusions: It is concluded that pre-exposure to stress may persistently alter the immunological effects of microbial challenge to the periodontium.